Pot stand

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a pot stand  10  having a frusto-conical primary region  14  open and sized to receive and support a pot  12.  The primary region  14  has a generally skeletal structure for substantially surrounding an exterior surface of the pot  12  and restraining the pot  12  from lateral movement. The skeletal structure also provides a view to the pot  12  through the stand  10  and includes decorative indicia  16  for imbuing an ornamental perspective to the pot  12.  A generally planar base  18  extends from the primary region  14  for supporting a bottom surface of the pot  12  and creating a space between the pot  12  and the underlying support surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a stand for supporting anddisplaying a pot.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] Potted plants are commonly utilized for decorating indoor andoutdoor locations. The plant itself livens up and decorates the desiredarea and it may be desired to also have a decorative pot for retainingthe plant. Accordingly, the prior art includes a vast assortment of potsfor providing a decorative retainer for a plant. However, thesedecorative pots are typically formed of pottery and may be relativelyexpensive for the benefit they provide.

[0005] Additionally, it may be desired to elevate the potted plant. Theelevation provides a space between the bottom of the pot and anunderlying surface such that air may pass therethrough, preventing acollection of moisture underneath the pot. The collected moisture may beundesirable because it may stain the underlying support surface or mayattract insects or the like. One may also desire to elevate the pottedplant from a support surface such that the plant extends more readilyinto the sight of a viewer.

[0006] The prior art teaches pot stands having a cylindrical portion forextending about a lower region of a pot. The cylindrical portionprovides lateral support to the lower region of the pot and includesdecorative indicia for improving the appearance of the pot. The priorart also teaches pot stands having substantially elongate legs orientedin a tripod configuration for elevating the potted plant well above thesupport surface.

[0007] A need exists for a pot stand which substantially surrounds anexterior surface of the pot for imbuing an ornamental perspective to thepot, and retaining the pot, while also elevating the pot in a stablemanner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a pot stand having afrusto-conical primary region with an opening sized to receive andsupport a pot. The primary region substantially surrounds an exteriorsurface of the pot and has a generally skeletal structure forrestraining the pot from lateral movement. The primary region provides aview to the pot through the stand and includes decorative indicia forimbuing an ornamental perspective to the pot. A generally planar baseextends from the primary region for supporting a bottom surface of thepot and for creating a space between the pot and an underlying surface.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention is to elevate the pot a distancethat is less than the overall height of the skeletal structure.

[0010] Other aspects of the invention may include provisions forstiffening the pot stand and stabilizing the pot. For example, anannular ring may be oriented about the opening, sized to receive anupward annular portion of the pot. Also, the primary region may includean upper collar portion including a series of stiffening members foradding rigidity to the stand opening. The pot stand may also includefeet extending from the base for placement upon a generally planarsupport surface. The feet may be generally tubular and may extendupwards towards the opening of the primary region, adding to theskeletal structure, and providing upright support to the primary region.

[0011] An alternative aspect of the invention may include a handlesecured to the pot stand.

[0012] Another alternative aspect may include a tether for suspendingthe pot stand.

[0013] These and other advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the followingdescription and attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pot stand in accordancewith the present invention, illustrated retaining a pot;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the pot stand in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodimentpot stand in accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodimentpot stand in accordance with the present invention; and

[0018]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodimentpot stand in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0019]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment pot standreferenced generally by numeral 10. The pot stand 10 is illustratedretaining a pot 12 in FIG. 1. Under the invention, the pot 12 may be anypot for retaining a potted plant, or the like. Commonly, terracottapottery is utilized for potted plants. Manufacturing economy usuallydictates that such pots have a generally plain, unadorned, visuallyunappealing exterior. Terracotta pottery is provided in an array ofstandard sizes. The invention contemplates that a variety of pot stands10 may be accommodated, each sized to correspond with a standardterracotta pottery size, or any standard potted plant size for thatmatter. In combination with the invention, the pot is portrayed in avisually appealing manner.

[0020] The pot stand 10 includes a frusto-conical primary regionreferenced generally by numeral 14. The primary region 14 has an openingsized to receive and support the pot 12. Additionally, the primaryregion 14 substantially surrounds an exterior surface of the pot 12 forstructural and ornamental purposes. The primary region 14 has agenerally skeletal structure which may be formed from a plurality oftubular elements. These tubular elements may be formed of any structuralmaterial, such as plastic or metallic wire. An exemplary element potstand 10 is formed of ten gauge steel wire.

[0021] The skeletal structure adequately restrains the pot 12 fromlateral movement in relation to the pot stand 10. The skeletal structurealso has ornamental advantages, by providing a view to the pot 12through the pot stand 10. The primary region 14 includes decorativeindicia referenced generally by numeral 16. The decorative indicia 16overlays the pot 12 and imbues an ornamental perspective to the pot 12.The pot stand 10 accents a typical pot such that a desired ornamentalperspective is generated that is pleasing to the viewer. Accordingly, anexpensive pot having decorative features formed about its exterior isnot required.

[0022] The pot stand 10 also includes a generally planar base 18extending from the primary region 14 for supporting a bottom surface ofthe pot 12. Thus, the pot 12 is supported by the pot stand 10 verticallyby the base 18 and laterally by the skeletal structure of the primaryregion 14. The base 18 also spaces the pot 12 away from an underlyingsupport surface so that air may pass therethrough. This feature preventsmoisture from collecting underneath the bottom surface of the pot, thuspreventing mold, stains or attraction of insects.

[0023] The space between the bottom of the pot 12 and the supportsurface may be increased by the inclusion of a plurality of feet 20extending from the base 18 for placement on the support surface. Thefeet 20 are spaced apart from the base 18, thus raising the base 18. Thefeet 20 also improve the stability of the pot stand 10 by resting on alimited number of contact points rather than across an uneven structuralsurface.

[0024] The feet 20 are formed to the skeletal structure and are definedby a generally tubular element much like the skeletal structure. Thefeet may extend upward towards the opening of the primary region 14 forproviding vertical support to the skeletal structure.

[0025] It may be desired to provide a space between the bottom surfaceof the pot 12 and the underlying surface that is adequate to permit thepassage of air while concomitantly not upsetting the aesthetics of thepot stand 10. Therefore, it may be desired that the distance from thebase 18 to the underlying surface created by the extending feet 20 doesnot exceed the overall height of the skeletal structure of the primaryregion 14.

[0026] Primary region 14 includes an annular ring 22 oriented about theopening and sized to receive an upward annular portion or lip of thepot. For example, conventional terracotta pottery includes an annularlip formed about the periphery of its opening. The pot stand annularring 22 may cooperate with the lip for improving the lateral support atan upwardmost region of the pot 12. Furthermore, the primary region 14includes an upper collar portion 24 which includes a series ofstiffening members 26 for adding rigidity to the stand opening. Ofcourse, as illustrated, the stiffening members 26 may take the shape ofan ornamental feature, thus adding to the decorative indicia 16 of theprimary region 14.

[0027] The invention contemplates construction of the pot stand 10 byany manner known in the art for adhering a plurality of tubular memberstogether. For example, the tubular members may be metallic and weldedtogether for providing an overall structural assembly. Alternatively,the tubular elements may be formed of a plastic material that is eithermolded together or bonded together to form the pot stand 10. It isunderstood that other manufacturing processes may be employed forconstructing the pot stand 10.

[0028] The decorative indicia 16 include a pair of diametrically opposedflower petals 28 oriented about the primary region 14, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-2. Each flower petal 28 has a pair of symmetrical leaves 30oriented adjacent lateral sides of the flower petal 28. The flower petal28 may be constructed of tubular elements similar to that of theskeletal structure, providing an open view through the flower petal 28.The leaves 30 may be formed solid to add a contrasting feature to theskeletal structure.

[0029] The invention contemplates providing a variety of pot stands 10having a corresponding variety of decorative indicia 16 such that a usermay have an assortment of ornamental perspectives to choose from. Thealternative embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 include such varyingdecorative indicia. As in FIG. 3, a pair of openly formed anddiametrically opposed butterflies 32 are included in the decorativeindicia 16 of the pot stand 10. With reference to FIG. 4, a pair ofdragonflies 34 are included in the decorative indicia 16. Similar to thebutterflies 32, the dragonflies 34 are open and diametrically opposedabout the skeletal structure of the primary region 14. Referring now toFIG. 5, the pot stand 10 is illustrated having decorative indicia 16that includes a pair of hummingbirds 36. The hummingbirds 36 are alsoopen and diametrically opposed.

[0030] Another aspect of the invention is to provide at least one handlesuch that a user may transport the pot stand 10. Referring again to FIG.3, the pot stand 10 is illustrated having a pair of handles 38 securedto the exterior of the primary region 14. For ergonomic purposes, thehandles 38 are oriented sufficiently proximate to the opening of theprimary region 14 such that the handles 38 are positioned above thecenter of gravity of the pot stand 10 when retaining a pot. Accordingly,the handles 38 are illustrated secured to the upper collar portion 24.Further, the handles 38 are each pivotally secured to the primary region14 for a range of motion relative to the primary region 14. The range ofmotion of each handle 38 includes an unloaded pendant position asillustrated in solid in FIG. 3. The range of motion also includes aloaded engaged position as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 3. The pivotalrelationship of the handles 38 and pot stand 10 provide handles 38 thatare typically suspended from the upper collar portion 24, yet may beurged to jut above the opening for temporary ergonomic handling of thepot stand 10 and/or pot 12. Although the pot stand 10 of FIG. 3illustrates a pair of diametrically opposed handles 38, any number andspacing of handles 38 is conceivable within the scope of the presentinvention.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 5, yet another aspect of the inventionincludes a tether 40 for hanging the pot stand 10 from an elevatedlocation. The tether 40 is secured to the primary region 14 of the potstand 10 at a pair of opposed locations, and cooperates with a supportfixture illustrated in phantom and generally referenced by numeral 42for suspending the pot stand 10. For example, the support fixture 42 maybe a trunnion or a gudgeon extending from a vertical and generallyplanar surface such as a wall. In this manner, the tether 40 wraps overthe support fixture 42 and the pot stand 10 suspends from the tether 40and rests against the wall. Alternatively, the pot stand 10 may bespaced away from a wall and may hang plum from a support fixture 42,such as a horizontal structural support or a tree branch. In thisalternative manner, the tether 40 would be connected to the pot stand 10at equally spaced increments. Although the tether 40 is illustratedhaving two connections with the pot stand 10, any number of connectionsis contemplated within the scope of the invention. For example, thetether 40 may include three connections with the pot stand 10 generallyequidistantly spaced in a tripod configuration. The invention alsocontemplates that the tether 40 may be a chain or any suitable elementfor suspending the pot stand 10.

[0032] In summary, the present invention provides a pot stand 10 forsupporting and retaining a pot and overlaying or imbuing a decorativeindicia thereabout. Thus, a cost effective manner is employed forsatisfying the ornamental needs of a user when decorating with plottedplants. Furthermore, the invention utilizes structural features forproviding stability to the pot and spacing the pot from an underlyingsupport surface.

[0033] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate anddescribe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used inthe specification are words of description rather than limitation, andit is understood that various changes may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pot stand for supporting a pot, the pot standcomprising: a frusto-conical primary region having an opening sized toreceive and support the pot and substantially surround an exteriorsurface of the pot, the primary region having a generally skeletalstructure for restraining the pot from lateral movement in relation tothe stand, and for providing a view to the pot through the stand, theprimary region including decorative indicia for imbuing an ornamentalperspective to the pot; and a generally planar base extending from theprimary region for supporting a bottom surface of the pot and forcreating a space between the pot and an underlying support surface sothat air may pass therethrough.
 2. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein thedecorative indicia include a pair of diametrically opposed decorativeindicia oriented about the primary region, each member of the decorativeindicia having leaves oriented about lateral sides thereof.
 3. The potstand of claim 1, wherein the decorative indicia include a flower petal.4. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the decorative indicia include aleaf.
 5. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the decorative indiciainclude a butterfly.
 6. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the decorativeindicia include a dragonfly.
 7. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein thedecorative indicia include a hummingbird.
 8. The pot stand of claim 1,wherein the primary region includes an annular ring oriented about theopening, sized to receive an upward annular portion of the pot.
 9. Thepot stand of claim 1, wherein the primary region includes an uppercollar portion including a series of stiffening members for addingrigidity to the stand opening.
 10. The pot stand of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one handle secured to the primary region exteriorproximate to the opening.
 11. The pot stand of claim 1, furthercomprising a tether secured to the primary region at opposed locationsabout its exterior for hanging the pot stand from an elevated location.12. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the skeletal structure furthercomprises a plurality of generally tubular elements.
 13. The pot standof claim 1, wherein the skeletal structure includes a plurality ofplastic elements.
 14. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the skeletalstructure includes a plurality of metallic wire elements.
 15. The potstand of claim 14, wherein the metallic wire elements are formed ofsteel wire.
 16. The pot stand of claim 1, further comprising a pluralityof feet extending from the base for placement upon a generally planarsupport surface, the feet being spaced apart from the base to raise thebase above the surface to promote air flow.
 17. The pot stand of claim16, wherein the feet are generally tubular and each extend upwardtowards the opening of the primary region for providing upright supportto the primary region.
 18. A pot stand for supporting a pot, the potstand comprising: a primary region having an opening sized to receiveand support the pot, the primary region having a generally skeletalstructure for restraining the pot from lateral movement in relation tothe stand, and for providing a view to the pot through the stand; agenerally planar base extending from the primary region for supporting abottom surface of the pot; and a plurality of feet extending from thebase for creating a space between the pot and an underlying supportsurface so that air may pass therethrough; wherein the distance from thebase to the underlying surface is less than the overall height of theskeletal structure.
 19. The pot stand of claim 18, wherein the feet aregenerally tubular, and each extend upward towards the opening of theprimary region for providing upright support to the primary region. 20.A pot stand for supporting a pot, the pot stand comprising: afrusto-conical primary region having an opening sized to receive andsupport the pot and substantially surround an exterior surface of thepot, the primary region having a generally skeletal structure forrestraining the pot from lateral movement in relation to the stand, andfor providing a view to the pot through the stand, the primary regionincluding decorative indicia for imbuing an ornamental perspective tothe pot; a generally planar base extending from the primary region forsupporting a bottom surface of the pot; and a plurality of feetextending from the base for creating a space between the pot and anunderlying support surface so that air may pass therethrough; whereinthe distance from the base to the underlying surface is less than theoverall height of the skeletal structure.